DAV mobile service office heads to Alamogordo

If you are a veteran with questions about your rights and benefits but don't know the answer, the Disabled American Veterans has your back.

The DAV mobile service office is coming to town Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the DAV Alamogordo Chapter 14, 821 Alaska Avenue.

"These notices are only sent to DAV members simply because these are the addresses we have," said Senior Vice Commander Sam Seek. "We want all veterans to know our services are free to all vets, members or not. Also, our transportation is available to all vets."

Seek said most vets will need help filling out paperwork needed to collect on benefits, lest they become "dangling," as he puts it.

"The majority have incomplete 'packages' with their claims," Seek said. "Our chapter service officers are certified to help the vet put together a complete package, thus cutting time. If a vet files without help, he is pretty much 'dangling.' Few succeed."

According to the DAV, the mobile service office is available in part because of a donation from Harley-Davidson USA.

At service stops, National Service Officers will provide vets with counseling and claim filing assistance.

The service is free and anyone who visits should bring a claim number, Social Security number and any other pertinent documents.